As at 15 August 2014, there were 112 fatal accidents at work according to Safe Work Australia. Forty two of those 112 deaths were in the transport, postal and warehouse industries. During workplace inspections, the areas that almost always are a concern including forklift operations and traffic management within the warehouse.
Forklifts
Forklifts are driven in an environment that
has other workers in the area, limited visibility due to racking, corners in
which other drivers and workers may come around, and you have all the needed
ingredients for not only accidents and injuries to occur, but also deaths.
What can be done to prevent accidents and
promote warehouse safety?
Check that all forklift operators have a current
High Risk Work Licence. Is that enough?
Not really, forklift safety needs to include operators, pedestrians and a
forklift safety programme including:
- Operators inspecting
their forklift for safety issues before operating it for the first time of
the day.
- Removing keys
from the ignition when not in use
- Wearing the
seat belt at all times (if one is fitted)
- Regular refresher
training or at the very least – toolbox talks on various forklift safety
topics.
- Keeping to the
speed limits and being aware of pedestrians
- Knowing the surroundings;
inclines, uneven ground/floors, nearby racks, doorways and other people
working in your area both in forklifts and on foot.
- Not carrying
passengers at any time unless they have been specifically designed to
carry two people
- Not driving with raised forklifts, whether loaded or empty.
Another aspect of warehouse safety that
must be addressed is managing warehouse traffic. This includes:
- Making sure
that the aisles between racks are wide enough to accommodate forklifts and
the movements they need to put items on and take them off safely.
- Providing
adequate lighting.
- Making sure
that uneven ground is eliminated, or, if that is not possible, prominently
marked.
- Marking
pedestrian crossing areas and walkways.
- Using bollards
and safety railings to protect battery charging areas and other exposed
areas as well as keeping emergency exits clear.
- Marking entry and exit points to areas where forklifts are in use. Also use bollards and safety railings in these areas.
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